Living the Character of Safety (Jehosheba)
Click here to listen: Living the Character of Safety
Remember the mantra, “Safety first”? That came to mind several times while preparing and after this lesson. It was powerful. Take a listen.
Sometimes we are drawn to people and desire relationship, or vice versa, but there’s a thing. It’s our gut telling us they are not safe for some reason. I remember when I wasn’t safe. It was my second year in undergrad and I commuted from my home to campus. While on campus for extended periods of time I hung out at the apartment of new friends. Not really understanding how to be a friend, I betrayed one of my new friends. When that academic year was over I transferred to New Orleans to attend Dillard. Over a year later, I had to go back to that campus to pick up documents. I enter the office and the first person I ran into was the lady I betrayed. (This next part is dramatic, but true.) We stopped looked at each other, and I ran to her, dropped to my knees, hugged her at the waist, and wept uncontrollably for my transgression. When I could finally stand, I admitted my error, shared that I knew what I did was wrong and repented. She acknowledged that my betrayal brought a revelation that helped her to make an empowered decision. And she thanked me! I’d prayed for the chance to make it right with her, but she thanked me.
I have not laid eyes on her since, but I walked away knowing I would approach friendship and relationship differently. Over 10 years later, I know I am a safe person.
The first time we studied safety, we read 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23 and looked at Athaliah and Jehosheba. This time, to learn how we demonstrate safety, we looked at Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Please note that there is a difference between a pattern of chaotic drama in a person’s life and being pregnant by the Holy Ghost.
- Both cause controversy and excess conversation.
- Both create a new way of life.
- Both decrease the size of social circles because there aren’t many who can identify.
- But only one has the mark of God.
- Only one has the result of “a holy thing”.
Joseph was safe because he stayed with Mary. But not only this. He was safe because he made a contribution. Safety means contributing to the process.
- Contribution proves our motive is pure, that we don’t want to kill Mary’s baby.
- Contribution confirms our belief in God’s work in Mary, when many want to attach a reproach.
- Contribution shows we heard God too, and have Mary’s revelation.
- Contribution encourages Mary to carry her baby full term, amidst the talk and threat.
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (inaccessibly high; too high for capture).
Colossians 3:3 – For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
The questions are: Are we as safe as the name? Are we high enough to keep Mary from capture and the baby safe? Are we safe?
Selah, and love to all. Join us next week for prayer. We are praying for men all month. Submit your names to thequeenlife@gmail.com.
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 